Independent Publishing Links and Website Recommendations
I was asked to sit on an author’s marketing panel tonight with my writer’s group. We got together with a group that’s more focused on book marketing (our group is a “writer’s support group” – we talk about craft and do writing exercises and cheer each other on. It’s a little different spin than many critique circles you’ll hear about.)
I represented the indie epublishing point of view, and knowing I was likely to be in the minority (I was) in terms of doing the ebook formatting and watching the ebook industry, I put together this list of resources as a handout. Thought it would be useful to capture here, too. As is typical for me, this list leans heavily toward fantasy/science fiction/speculative fiction writers, but not exclusively.
What other resources do you rely on for information about independent ebook publishing? Add them in the comments!
A prolific writer, DWS has published more than 90 novels via traditional methods and is now at the forefront of the indepedent publishing movement. He writes a series called “Think Like a Publisher” and another called “Killing the Sacred Cows of Publishing.”
Together with his wife and others in the writing community, he leads workshops on marketing, publishing, short story writing, and others out on the Oregon coast.
Married to Dean and a writer in a variety of genres, Kris also writes about freelancing and the business side of writing in her two series, The Business Rusch, and The Freelancer’s Survival Guide.
Local Chicago author Joe Konrath has made headlines over the last several years as he’s moved away from traditional publishing and made a name for himself (and met with plenty of financial success) in independent publishing. Joe’s worth reading because he shares numbers, something many authors are hesitant to do. He also brings in an interesting string of guest bloggers.
Michael Stackpole writes about industry topics and lights fires under writer’s behinds in his House Slaves series.
Was the first author to make headlines for making millions publishing her own books. She began independent publishing her books only just over a year ago and has hit the big times. In recent months she’s been in the headlines again for accepting a traditional publishing deal for a new book series. She’s notable because she’s finding a way to have her cake and eat it too. Her “Magic Hand” post from last fall is one of my favorites.
Other interesting writers/observers of the independent publishing realm:
- Passive Voice – this former lawyer has a very interesting perspective on all kinds of indie publishing topics.
- Zoe Winters – (in particular read the 99c ghetto)
- Dave Farland – sign up for his “daily kick” – a free email (not always daily) with writing tips and suggestions. Dave is known for traditional publishing but has begun carrying the independent flag lately.
- Kevin J. Anderson – Traditionally published but independently publishing his backlist, author Kevin J. Anderson has some interesting things to say about ebook pricing and process.
- John Locke – site of author John Locke, another independent who has sold over 1 million ebooks on his own, no publisher required.
Don’t forget, my own novel, Convergence, is now out in all ebook formats!
